Samuel Harris Altman is an American businessman and entrepreneur known for his leadership in the artificial intelligence sector. As the CEO of OpenAI since 2019, he played a significant role in the development of ChatGPT.
Known For
Early Life
Samuel Altman was born on April 22, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in a Jewish family and showed an early interest in technology and entrepreneurship. Altman attended Stanford University for two years, where he studied computer science, but he ultimately dropped out to pursue his business ventures. His decision to leave college was motivated by his desire to create innovative technologies and to enter the tech industry at a young age.
Career
Altman's career began with the founding of Loopt in 2005, a mobile geosocial networking service that gained significant attention and funding, raising over $30 million in venture capital. In 2011, he joined Y Combinator, one of the most influential startup accelerators in Silicon Valley, and became its president in 2014. During his tenure, Y Combinator invested in numerous successful startups and became a pivotal accelerator for emerging tech companies. In 2019, Altman took on the role of CEO at OpenAI, an organization focused on advancing artificial intelligence in a safe and beneficial manner. Under his leadership, OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, marking a significant milestone in AI development. However, in 2023, he faced a brief ousting from OpenAI's board amid concerns regarding his leadership, but he was reinstated within days due to overwhelming support from employees and investors. Altman has also served as chairman for companies in the clean energy sector, including Helion Energy and Oklo.
Achievements
Altman's contributions to technology and entrepreneurship have earned him significant recognition. He has been instrumental in the growth of various startups and has been influential in the venture capital community. His leadership at OpenAI has positioned him as a key figure in the AI field, particularly following the successful launch of ChatGPT. In 2025, he was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 'Architects of AI,' highlighting his impact on the industry. Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $2.1 billion, underscoring his success as a businessman.
Legacy
Samuel Altman's legacy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of artificial intelligence and startup culture. His work at OpenAI is seen as pivotal in shaping the future of AI technology, focusing on ethical considerations and potential societal impacts. Through his leadership and vision, Altman has influenced a generation of entrepreneurs and technologists. His experiences and achievements serve as an inspiration for future innovators, particularly in the tech industry, where the intersection of entrepreneurship and advanced technologies continues to evolve.